Restoration of degraded communities is an important tool for basic research as it provides an acid test of our understanding of ecological processes. Successful restoration of communities requires a thorough understanding of successful establishment and persistance of plant species (i.e. their regeneration niche). Current hypotheses that explain why species may vary in their ability to colonize and persist in communities are few and have not been adequately tested. In this study we will analyze and compare important regeneration niche characteristics of eight species of perennial, prairie forbs which vary in establishment success in restoration projects. Using degraded remnant populations of different sizes, density, and dispersion, we will analyze pollination success, fecundity, predispersal seed predation and herbivory of each species. We also analyze germination patterns of seeds from the remnants. Experimental field studies will be used to determine seed longevity in the soil bank and the effects of disturbance and cover type on seedling emergence and survivorship. The type of study we propose is essential to understanding successful establishment and persistance of perennials in complex communities as well as developing successful restoration and management plans.
